Nails: Holly Schippers, FingerNailFixer, Bussey, Iowa
Photographer: Vu Ong
Model: Ariel Paredes, Body Parts Models
December 1, 2012
Alexandra Lust uses acrylics, acrylic paints, to show how to segment the design across all four nails to create a wonderful illusion of a butterfly.
December 1, 2012
I’m a newbie nail tech in my first job. For two weeks I’ve been bringing in models to increase my experience on acrylics and tips before I start taking on real clients. So far three out of the five models are complaining of their nail tips chipping off, popping off, etc. I have no clue as to what I’m doing wrong. I’m so discouraged. I worked so hard to do those nails (for free), and I have unhappy people and no idea if it’s my technique or if these people are prying things open with their acrylic nails and using them like tools. I feel like I should quit now before I upset any clients.
December 1, 2012
Cover tech Holly Schippers shows how to create the July 2012 cover of NAILS.
December 1, 2012
Lotions in the nail industry are used as manicure and pedicure service add-ons as well as retail products to help hydrate, rejuvenate, and soothe clients’ skin. They are often infused with various fragrances and anti-aging compounds to further enhance the benefits to the skin. But what is lotion really made of?
July 15, 2012
CND educator ambassador Marilyn Olemma Garcia of Caguas, Puerto Rico shows how with pre-made — and wild-styled — acrylic sculpts and pieces of fabric, she can create fun, funky, and artistic nails.
July 15, 2012
OPI releases its latest formula for the Manicure/Pedicure line of scrub, mask, and massage lotion — Chamomile Mint.
July 15, 2012
Cindy Walston's client's feet and legs literally gleam in the sun after this pedicure.
July 14, 2012
Island Spirit Healing Center and Day Spa offers this natural escape to its clients.
July 12, 2012
Nubar’s soak-off gel-polish, Gelicure, cures quickly in UV or LED lights and applies like nail polish with a lasting high-gloss finish that shines for over three weeks. The gels do not chip or peel, and they soak off in just 15 minutes.
June 29, 2012
Through her Nail University, Shari Finger offers continuing education for nail techs. “Our non-product-specific approach allows the student to receive help with the products she is using every day — or a generic product will be supplied at no extra charge,” she says.
June 27, 2012
I have tried almost every new LED lamp out there. Except for one brand, they all generate a lot of heat. I thought LED was not supposed to be hot. I am not talking about the heat spike that can happen with the exothermic reaction, I am talking about heat in general. I’d like to understand more about this.
June 27, 2012
New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Krista Archer has launched her own line of ARCH skin products, which use natural ingredients to heal and moisturize dry, cracked feet and protect the nails.
January 1, 2013
Tina Panariello of Brooklyn, N.Y., shows how to make a two-tone flower design with acrylic paint.
December 1, 2012
With the explosion of nail art, nail artists are expanding their creativity into the field of photography. Here are tips on how to capture the best shot.
December 1, 2012
Republic Nail Cuticle Oils come in two different scents to add a slight aroma to fingers as they are massaged after manicures.
July 16, 2012
Sharmadean Reid, the founder of nail art-focused Wah Nails salon in London, has released hardcover book The Wah Nails Book of Nail Art.
July 15, 2012
Can you use gouache paint for One-Stroke nail art, instead of acrylic paint?
July 14, 2012
Should nail length factor into color choice? Are there specific shades that look best on short nails or best on long nails?
July 14, 2012
Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees has taken some of her signature nail designs to the masses.
July 13, 2012
Double-loading the brush helps to create the flower petals in this design by Lorri Silvestre.
July 13, 2012
Red heart-shaped rhinestones embellish this design by Ebony Allen.
July 13, 2012
Use a simple kitchen sponge as a tool to create the background of this bold animal print design by Mindy Hardy.
July 13, 2012
Elevating clients for feet-focused services generally improves nail tech ergonomics, as you don’t have to hunch over to do close-up work. And building your own set-up means you can design and decorate it however you want. (Hello, purple paint and glitter!)
July 13, 2012
Where do I get a cute-plus sized apron or jacket? When I wear the one-size-fits-all apron when giving a pedicure, I get product and water on my knees. I’d be interested in what others wear.
July 13, 2012
Hand & Nail Harmony decked out guests at retailer Alice and Olivia’s color denim preview party with Gelish Color Block Manicures.
July 12, 2012
Neon yellow is the base for this perfect summer nail by Oanh Le.
July 12, 2012
Diane Self uses Nubar products to encapsulate this nail art design.
July 12, 2012
For those clients for whom no nail design is too extravagant, carry Solid 14K Gold Posted Nail Charms by Nail Art a la Carte.
July 12, 2012
This website worth watching lets you zoom in to get a better look at the uniform details before purchasing it.
July 3, 2012
With the explosion of nail art, techs are expanding their creativity into the field of photography. Here are tips on how to capture the best shot.
June 29, 2012
Mars The Salon, one of Tokyo’s most luxurious nail-care destinations, has opened its first outpost in North America with the debut of Mars The Salon Los Angeles.
June 28, 2012
A bimonthly e-newsletter, Nail Monthly for Beautiful Nails by Kupa Inc. features gorgeous shots that offer QR codes to download videos on how the cover was done, along with a full-page profile on the cover artist and details on the products used.
June 27, 2012
Brandy Williams uses glitter acrylic to create Fourth of July nail art.
June 26, 2012
Already well-loved in the industry for its diverse array of products, Cuccio has just added a huge category to its offerings: nail polish.
June 26, 2012
Symmetrical and colorful, these prints are similar to what you viewed looking through a kaleidoscope as a kid.
October 5, 2012
Grenchen, Switzerland, might be well-known for its watch industry, but there was no need to tell time during my relaxing gel-polish pedicure in this bright, airy nail salon.
July 13, 2012
How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?
July 5, 2012
The idea of these ticking lists — of things to accomplish before you “kick the bucket,” so to speak — are gaining popularity via blogs, ad campaigns, and other media outlets. We asked our readers to share their professional ones. (No offense to pros-and-cons lists, but we think bucket lists are much more fun!)
July 3, 2012
“If you had told me 20 years ago that I would be a bus driver today and would be loving my job, I would have laughed out loud,” says Rebekah Summers, the owner of Perfect 10 Nails inside Don’s Barber Shop in Cadiz, Ky
July 2, 2012
American-inspired accessories, decorations, and bakeware make great retail items. Stock your salon with fun and festive products for Independence Day, and don’t be afraid to display them again come Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, Veterans’ Day, and even Thanksgiving!
June 29, 2012
We know you love being a nail tech, but everybody’s got at least one gripe, right? We asked readers to tell us: Is there one part of your job you wish you could change?
June 29, 2012
Does your salon have its own app yet? If not, perhaps you can take inspiration from the folks at Knoxville, Tenn.-based Salon Visage, who recently released the Visage Concierge application for iPhone/Android.
June 29, 2012
Sisters Castle and Lauren Searcy built their business from the ground up, opening their very first salon, Tootsies Nail Shoppe, in 2006. After hard work and diligent cross-promoting, they now run two salons, a certified nail school, and a barbershop, all under the Tootsies brand.
June 29, 2012
The growth of Cuccio Naturalé, including Cuccio Pro, has resulted in a demand for more space for Valencia, Calif.-based Star Nail International — 40,000 sq. ft. more to be exact.
June 28, 2012
Do you ever wish you were a fly on the wall so you could hear what your employees say? Here’s your chance to learn what they won’t tell you, but wish you knew.
June 28, 2012
I’ve been a tech for one year and am having trouble building a clientele. I’m thinking about advertising in my local paper. Is this a good idea?
June 28, 2012
At some point every salon owner is going to come face-to-face with negative online reviewers, but it does not have to be doomsday for your salon or spa.
June 28, 2012
The flip flop junkies among your clientele will be thrilled with Tigerlily Interchangeable Sandals.
June 27, 2012
reThinkSpa is an innovative consulting, education, and training tool that helps elevate the credibility, professionalism, client experience, and profits of the nail department.
July 2, 2012
Take this quick quiz to see where you stand on sanitation. Pencil ready? Get set. Go.
July 2, 2012
A rare disorder, yellow nail syndrome could indicate a serious health concern involving the respiratory or lymphatic systems.
June 29, 2012
Advertising itself as “four-free,” Knocked Up Nails contains no toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, or camphor.
June 28, 2012
Today’s fast world needs a pause button, so SpaRitual founder Shel Pink launched Slow Beauty to deliver just that.
June 27, 2012
The newly redesigned Wrist-Assist has threaded end discs that allow for interchangeable cushion sizes and cushion replacement.
June 27, 2012
According to Young Nails’ Greg Salo, the most ergonomic way to do this is with an over-grip.
June 27, 2012
Tamara Jercha of the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas says your salon can affirm its commitment to the earth by recycling items that are not recycled by your local municipality.
June 27, 2012
Because Soi candles are made of 100% all-natural soy oil, your clients will enjoy clean, soot-free burning that lasts 40% longer than paraffin wax candles.
June 21, 2012
Some foot soak companies have had problems because of the misleading name of this illegal drug.
July 17, 2012
Arid Blue hand sanitizer from Beautiful Nails kills 99.9% of germs while moisturizing skin.
July 15, 2012
OPI releases its latest formula for the Manicure/Pedicure line of scrub, mask, and massage lotion — Chamomile Mint.
July 12, 2012
For those clients for whom no nail design is too extravagant, carry Solid 14K Gold Posted Nail Charms by Nail Art a la Carte.
July 11, 2012
Available in a variety of color options to match your décor, the ePillow contains a “ledge” that surrounds the pillow’s outside to hold the tablet either horizontally or vertically.
July 30, 2012
The runaway best-seller Fifty Shades of Grey gives us all the perfect excuse to have our nails polished in any (or more!) of these 50 shades of grey nail polish.
July 26, 2012
This year's City of Hope Spirit of Life Award honoree was OPI's George Schaeffer. At a party in his honor this past Saturday night, more than 1,700 guests were treated to the soulful stylings of Reverend Al Green and Aretha Franklin. And true to Schaeffer's gift for surprise, we all also got to see him marry his long-time girlfriend Irina Afzal.
July 20, 2012
Editor Hannah Lee went to Germany with nail tech and celebrity manicurist Elsbeth Schuetz where she attended a tradeshow in which the nail section alone spanned across two pavillions with massive booths.
July 16, 2012
On the Fashion Week runways, juicy stone fruit colors from cherry red to plum purple reigned on nails.
July 15, 2012
This is the perfect time to ramp up your toenail art business and help your clients dip their toes in the sand in style.
July 10, 2012
From love potions and the magical hour of sunset to witches and warlocks, fantasy and illusion are inspiring designers this fall.
July 31, 2012
Lucky magazine answered a pertinent nail art question from a curious reader in its July 2012 issue.
July 30, 2012
Glamour magazine put together a list of 31 nail looks for every day of July 2012. From stick-ons to nail art, see some of the highlights.
July 27, 2012
Gold cosmetics are everywhere this summer. Eye shadow, lipstick and even polish brands are linking onto the golden chain.
July 18, 2012
Put a collection of bright polish colors together to create a rainbow manicure that isn't the standard "Roy G. Biv."
July 16, 2012
Sharmadean Reid, the founder of nail art-focused Wah Nails salon in London, has released hardcover book The Wah Nails Book of Nail Art.
July 16, 2012
Redbook magazine, in its July 2012 issue, recommends Essie's Cascade Cool for summer days.
July 15, 2012
Miley Cyrus showed off her nails and toes via Twitter as she was wearing ncLA’s polish in color Poolside Party… All Eyes On Me.
July 14, 2012
Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees has taken some of her signature nail designs to the masses.
July 13, 2012
Hand & Nail Harmony decked out guests at retailer Alice and Olivia’s color denim preview party with Gelish Color Block Manicures.
July 13, 2012
Between golden hair tints, body bronzers, and dusty blush, women are going bronze this summer from head to toe.
July 12, 2012
Essie paired six popping shades with matching flip-flops by Tkees, according to InStyle magazine.
July 11, 2012
Be one of the first 500 Allure readers to win a free pre-released bottle of Zoya Polish.
July 10, 2012
Music star Adele was spotted donning a sleek new manicure consiting of silver-on-top, red-beneath nails.
July 9, 2012
Shape magazine shares five tips to keep in mind while giving your client the best summer pedicure.
July 2, 2012
Cosmopolitan's July 2012 issue shares three easy nail ideas to jazz up your client's fingertips for summer.